Oregon Hearing Today Could Shape New Workplace Violence Rules for Health Care Workers

Oregon has a public hearing scheduled for today on proposed workplace violence protections for health care workers, including required prevention plans, annual training and broader reporting rules.

The first Oregon OSHA public hearing is scheduled for today, Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. The proposed rules would cover hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, home health agencies and hospice providers.

A second hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13, and written comments will be accepted through Aug. 31.

In broad terms, the proposed OSHA rules would:

• Require employers to conduct regular security assessments and create written workplace violence prevention plans.
• Require workers to receive prevention and response training every year.
• Require employers to establish procedures for investigating and documenting workplace violence and consult workers or workplace safety committees.
• Expand the definition of workplace violence beyond physical assaults to include threats, harassment, intimidation, homicide and other threatening conduct.

To participate in the rulemaking process:

• Submit public comments by Aug. 31.
• Attend today’s Zoom hearing from 2 to 3 p.m.
• Register in advance here.
• Review the proposed rules here.

The hearing may close after 30 minutes if everyone who wishes to speak has had an opportunity to enter comments into the public record.